National League 1

Jostling for position in National One and gripping drama in National Two East sets the tone for the next month in tiers three and four.

With key fixtures rapidly approaching across the board, this weekend could be key for many sides wanting to achieve their aspirations.

With many eye-catching fixtures between now and the end of the month, Round Nine's set of results only added to the interest.

The battles towards the top of National Two East is providing a competitive outlook and once again, Barnes find themselves in the mix.

International stars have returned to Premiership duties but further down the pyramid, levels three and four continue to deliver.

After Storm Ciaran hit the country this week, the whirlwind that is National League Rugby returns this weekend with the season set to intensify between now and Christmas.

Leicester Lions, Taunton Titans, Worthing Raiders and Bournville ripped up the form book in Round Seven.

The the last Saturday before the first break in the National League Rugby season has plenty to offer.

Teams at the wrong end will be eager to begin October on the front foot while in National Two West, the leading pair collide.

Events at Woodlands arguably made newly promoted Lymm's dramatic victory over Fylde the standout result of the National League Rugby weekend.

And just like that, the first month of action is almost over but who will be able to step into October with something to build on?

After finishing second and third in National Two East last season, Dorking and Barnes have maintained their high standards.

We were not short of narratives in Round Three with eye-catching scorelines and brilliant drama packed into another fascinating weekend.

New Newcastle boss Alex Codling chats to TRU's James Skeldon about the coaching experiences which have led him to Kingston Park.

Season-defining fixtures? Not in the slightest but the way the fixtures have fallen in Round Three sets up some intriguing contests.

Rosslyn Park overcome Richmond, Lewis Minikin shines for Hull Ionians, double delight for the Ford family and a crowd of over 2,500 watch Camborne defeat Redruth.

While the world's best are set to do battle in France, there is still plenty of exciting action to get stuck into across National League Rugby.

TRU have followed Caldy's rise and now the club are preparing for an historic clash against the famous Leicester Tigers.

Round One suggests there might be a step up in drama once again, encapsulated by victories for Sedgley Park, Blackheath and Leicester Lions. 

It is not unrealistic to say levels three and four produced the most exciting rugby across the English game last year and it's nearly time to do it all again.